My Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe is coated in a cheesy lemon pepper mixture then oven-baked until crispy. This is a simple, healthy fish recipe my family is always excited to eat. It is so flavorful, made with just a few ingredients in under 20 minutes.

overhead view of parmesan crusted tilapia filets on an oval platter with salad greens, lemon wedges, and a fork.

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What’s in Lemon Pepper Tilapia?

Sweet and mild tilapia filets are seasoned with tangy lemon pepper and Parmesan cheese then baked to crispy perfection in the oven. This is a quick and simple dinner recipe that I always keep in my back pocket. I know my family will love it, and it’s super quick to throw together.

  • Tilapia Filets: Use 4 oz filets. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but I do recommend thawing it if you use frozen. The better quality the fish, the better it’s going to taste!
  • Parmesan: Use grated Parmesan cheese in the seasoning mixture–this will be pressed into the surface of the fish. Then use shredded Parmesan on top of each filet to create that crispy crust in the oven.
  • Seasonings: Lemon pepper adds the perfect balance of bright and spicy, without overwhelming the tilapia. There’s also chopped Parsley in the mix, and you can add salt, but it’s fine to skip.
  • Olive Oil: Your regular olive oil will work great for this recipe, but don’t use EVOO.

Pro Tip: Tilapia doesn’t have much of “fishy” odor or flavor, but if that bothers you, you can soak it in milk before cooking– 15 minutes should do the trick!

Variations on Parmesan Tilapia

It’s really easy to change up the flavor of this lemon pepper tilapia by mixing in different seasonings, spices, and herbs to the cheese mixture.

step by step photos for how to make parmesan crusted tilapia.
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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Parmesan crusted tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 275°F oven until warmed through.

How to Freeze

To freeze, wrap individual tilapia filets in aluminum foil, place them in a Ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These Parmesan crusted tilapia filets are so simple but still flavorful, and they make a great main dish if you want a healthy dinner. I like to garnish tilapia with diced green onion and lemon slices to finish off the flavor nicely.

Serve it over a bed of salad greens (pictured) or with a side of white rice, Parmesan polenta, or Parmesan roasted potatoes. This lemon Parmesan roasted broccoli complements the flavor perfectly.

close up view of a parmesan crusted tilapia filet on an oval platter with salad greens and lemon wedges.

5-Star Review

“This is one of the best and easiest recipes I have made. The family loved it, including the 6 & 7 year old grandchildren. I’ve made it several times and it is always a hit. ” – Jill

Recipe Card

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

4.48 from 471 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 filets
Author: Becky Hardin
featured parmesan crusted tilapia.
Tilapia is coated with a lemon pepper seasoned mixture, topped with Parmesan, and baked until crispy.
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • teaspoon kosher salt (see note)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

  • ¼ cup diced green onions optional
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Mix the grated Parmesan, lemon pepper, parsley, and salt together.
    4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets, ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Drizzle the tilapia with olive oil, then coat with the cheese mixture, pressing it in lightly with your fingers to make sure it sticks. Sprinkle lightly with the shredded Parmesan, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
    overhead view of tilapia filets being coated in a parmesan crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the fish is opaque in the thickest part, about 10 minutes.
    parmesan crusted tilapia filets on a foil lined baking sheet.
  • To brown further, broil for about 5 more minutes until cheese crust is slightly crispy (watch carefully to make sure fish doesn’t burn)
  • Top with green onions and serve and serve with lemon wedges, optional.
    ¼ cup diced green onions, 1 lemon

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Note: If you don’t like salty recipes, you can skip the salt altogether on this recipe. The parmesan cheese is pretty salty already, so you should be fine! 
  • If you’re worried about a fishy taste, soak the raw tilapia filets in milk for about 15 minutes, then pat dry and press the mixture into the fish.
Storage: Store Parmesan crusted tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1filetCalories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 31gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 571mgPotassium: 451mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 374IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Is tilapia a healthy fish to eat?

As with many fish and seafoods, tilapia is a low-calorie source of protein, filled with plenty of other nutrients. It includes significant amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6.

Should tilapia be marinated before cooking?

There’s no need to marinate this tender, flaky fish, as it is quite mild and takes on flavoring well. Plus, acidic ingredients often found in marinades can make tilapia turn mushy.

How do you know when tilapia is done in the oven?

When cooked through, tilapia will be opaque with a white color. It should also flake easily when you test it with a fork. Check it at the thickest part of the filet, and it should read 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Why is my baked tilapia mushy?

Although it is a low-moisture fish, tilapia can still turn mushy. Be sure to pat it dry before baking, and don’t marinate it in acidic ingredients, as they can break down the meat too much.

Why does my tilapia taste fishy?

Most seafood contains a compound called trimethylamine oxide which is responsible for that “fishy” taste and odor. Tilapia tends not to taste fishy, but if you’re concerned about it, you can soak the raw fish in milk for a bit before breading it to neutralize the flavor.

More Crusted Fish Recipes We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.48 from 471 votes (426 ratings without comment)
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115 Comments
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Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 23, 2021 9:49 am

I am sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you, Kristine!

Ellana
Ellana
September 2, 2019 4:37 pm

Turned out really good ! I lightened up on all the cheese and only used grated Parmesan, and still the fish came out delish. Also you can increase broil time to 10 min ( if using toaster oven )to achieve the color you want .Thanks !5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 3, 2019 12:16 pm
Reply to  Ellana

Thanks, Ellana!

Lydia
Lydia
February 18, 2019 6:50 pm

This ended up being incredibly salty for us and I even spread the topping out between 6 filets instead of 4. We actually scraped off as much of the topping as possible to make it edible…and I even typically like my food pretty salty. I wonder if lemon pepper varies? The brand that I use has salt as the first ingredient. And of course, grated Parmesan is pretty salty too.

I think had it not been so salty though that we would have loved it! My recommendation to anyone trying this recipe is to skip the salt. You can always add it when you are eating it if you still think it needs more salt.3 stars

Goose
Goose
May 5, 2021 7:52 pm
Reply to  Lydia

I just had a similar experience. I was using Kroger’s Value Lemon & Pepper Seasoning and decided to look it up some nutritional info. Turns out the value seasoning had about 3.5 times the sodium that other brands did. Guess salt is cheap filler. I think I’ll invest in some better lemon pepper and give this another try.5 stars

Robert Eckel
Robert Eckel
February 6, 2019 6:39 pm

Absolutely amazing recipe. Easy and fast to make well worth it.

Courtney Minor
February 7, 2019 5:35 pm
Reply to  Robert Eckel

Thank you so much for the kind words Robert. I’m glad you liked it!

Jamie
Jamie
December 9, 2018 7:35 pm

This is such a great weeknight dinner. Delicious flavors and so simple!

Crystal
Crystal
May 1, 2018 4:36 pm

This recipe is so delicious! My husband, myself and my children loved it. Super quick and easy to make. We will definitely be making this again. Thanks for the recipe! I have shared it with others as well. Highly recommend this recipe.5 stars

Here
Here
December 3, 2016 6:16 am

Hi Becly!
Love this tilapia so much, ..you are simply awesome!5 stars

Cheryl Kohan
Cheryl Kohan
August 10, 2016 10:26 am

I just purchased tilapia, yesterday, so this will be dinner one night this week. Or maybe lunch!5 stars

Carla Bruns (@RealInto)
Carla Bruns (@RealInto)
February 26, 2014 7:20 pm

Tilapia is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and quick. Thanks for this recipe!5 stars

Meg @ The Housewife In Training Files
Meg @ The Housewife In Training Files
February 26, 2014 2:43 pm

I love tilapia and this is right up our alley! Quick, delicious and healthy?! Sign me up!5 stars

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